Method and system for concurrent error identification in resource scheduling

ABSTRACT

A method and system for handling real-time indications of resource scheduling conflicts. In one embodiment, the method includes a computer system including a user interface, display, processor, and some form of memory. Contained within the memory is a resource scheduling process that analyzes resource data, scheduling criteria, and work parameters to create a working schedule. In conjunction with the creation of a working schedule, the scheduling process detects resource conflicts that can inhibit the schedule&#39;s functionality. Once detected an identification process conveys the error to the user concurrently with the schedule process to provide the user with a real-time indication of resource conflicts. The indication is presented in an unobtrusive manner so as to not interfere or impede the scheduling process. In addition, should the specific resource causing the conflict be identifiable, the indication process conveys that information in a similar real-time methodology.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention is in the field of real-time error handling. Moreparticularly this invention relates to the real-time handling ofresource scheduling conflicts and resolution of those conflicts in acomplex scheduling environment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Resource scheduling is a complex task that requires satisfactionof several potentially conflicting goals and constraints. In a complexenvironment a resource scheduling algorithm may reach its conclusionwith several unfulfilled goals and exceptions. These unfulfilled goalsfrustrate the intended result of a working resource schedule. One suchcomplex environment of resource scheduling is call center forecastingand agent scheduling. In this complex and diverse setting, a significantamount of configuration and parameter specifications must be done viauser interfaces before a final result can be produced. Existingapplications for resource scheduling do not adequately produce anunobtrusive interactive mechanism for warning the user of parameter orconfiguration selections that are likely to result in poor performanceor failure of the schedule.

[0003] Current algorithms produce warnings or an indication of aconflict that interrupt the scheduling process. Present systems, knownto one skilled in the art, use modal interfaces to detect and inform theuser of errors. Errors that are detected in mid-stream of the user'swork forcibly interrupt the user with a warning message. This warningmessage prevents the user from continuing work without at leastacknowledging its presence. These warning mechanisms are rigid in theirapplication and, if disabled, are completely ineffective at providingany type of failure notification. This warning process is accomplishedthrough a series of programmed communications between the errordetection program and the primary scheduling program that results in thescheduling operations to cease.

[0004] The prior art fails to provide an unobtrusive or concurrent meansto notify a user of a resource scheduling conflict. By forcing the userto interact with a warning or notification of a pending error, theefficiency of the scheduling process suffers. If the user elects todismiss the warning, no further indication is present to convey to theuser that the conflict is still present. Furthermore, should a userelect to correct the conflict upon receiving notification, the user isrequired to navigate independently in the program to the position in theprogram that contains the root cause to the conflict, again decreasingefficiency and rising the cost of the scheduling method.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0005] A method and system for handling real-time identification andnotification of resource scheduling conflicts is described. In oneembodiment, the claimed method works concurrently with a resourcescheduling process to indicate to the user in an unobtrusive manner thata resource conflict has occurred. The user, upon selecting theindication of an error, is provided with a description of the conflictand the option of suppressing or resolving the resource conflict. Inanother embodiment the indication is represented by a visual depictionof a stoplight located at the lower right comer of the display. Thecolors red and yellow are used to depict unsuppressed and suppressedconflicts respectively. One skilled in the art will recognize that theidentification and notification of the conflict may be through anynumber of media including but not limited to visual, aural, or tactilemeans.

[0006] If the user elects to resolve the resource conflict, oneembodiment provides a hyperlink utilizing ordinary Hypertext MarkupLanguage (“HTML”) to link the user to the corresponding portion of thescheduling process where the conflict exists. Furthermore, should theuser elect to use the hyperlink to access the appropriate page, theentry that is creating the conflict is highlighted for ease ofidentification. Once the conflict has been resolved, the real-timeindication, in this embodiment the stoplight, will revert to a greenlight indicating that no resource conflicts exists. Conversely if theuser elects to suppress the conflict the red light will change to yellowand remain illuminated until the suppressed conflict is resolved. Shoulda new conflict arise, both the red light and the yellow light willilluminate indicating that suppressed as well as unsuppressed resourceconflicts exist. Throughout these indications of conflicts thefunctionality of the scheduling process remains unaffected and the useris unimpeded should he or she decide to ignore the conflict indication.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a network system forreal-time resource scheduling error identification.

[0008]FIG. 2 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification showing a conflict situation.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification showing a situation with no resourceconflicts.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification showing a conflict description andresolution window.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification associated with specific resources.

[0012]FIG. 6 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification illustrating a typical list of rulebased conflicts associated with a specific resource.

[0013]FIG. 7 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification showing a calendar based conflictassociated with a specific resource.

[0014]FIG. 8 is a depiction of an embodiment for real-time resourcescheduling error identification showing a resolution window associatedwith a calendar conflict of a specific resource.

[0015]FIG. 9 is a high level flow diagram for an embodiment of a methodfor real-time resource scheduling error identification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] A system and method for real-time handling of erroridentification and notification in complex environments, such as callcenters, are described. In the description that follows, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. It will be evident, however, toone skilled in the art that the method and system presented may bepracticed without these specific details.

[0017]FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a system, 100, for providing areal-time identification and notification of resource schedulingconflicts. The system includes multiple client computers, 102-105, whichare coupled to the server, 106, through a network, 108. The network,108, can be any network, such as a local area network, a wide areanetwork, or the Internet. The client computers each include one or moreprocessors and one or more storage devices. Each of the client computersalso includes a display device, and one or more input devices. All ofthe storage devices store various data and software programs. In oneembodiment, the method for providing a real-time indication of resourceconflicts in a resource scheduling process is carried out on the system,100, by software instructions executing on one or more of the clientcomputers, 102-105. The software instructions may be stored on theserver, 106, or on any one of the client computers. For example, oneembodiment presents a hosted application used by a call center of anenterprise that requires complex scheduling of many employees. Thesoftware instructions are stored on the server and accessed through thenetwork by a client computer operator of the enterprise. In otherembodiments, the software instructions may be stored and executed on theclient computer. A user of the client computer with the help of a userinterface can enter data required for the execution of the softwareinstructions. Data required for the execution of the softwareinstructions can also be accessed via the network and can be storedanywhere on the network.

[0018] One embodiment of a method for providing a real-timeidentification of resource conflicts during a scheduling process can beused in the call center environment. A call center is an organizationthat answers and responds to telephone calls from customers for one ormore particular organizations. Call centers also respond to othercustomer contacts, such as e-mail, faxes, voice over Internet protocol,and web chat. Such centers possess a plurality of resources. A resourcecan be the equipment, the employees, the facilities, or any other assetthat facilitates the business in achieving its purpose. In a call centerthe individual employees answering the calls are agents and eachpossesses a particular skill set. Each employee is therefore an exampleof a resource with specialized skills. For example one agent may be ableto respond to technical problems, another may specialize in billingquestions and still another may specialize in taking product orders.Each agent likely possesses multiple skill sets and a call centermanager's challenge is to optimize the agents' schedules so as tomaximize the utilization of these skill sets without compromising thefunctionality of the center, thus minimizing cost.

[0019] As the call center schedule is developed, minor modifications inan employee's availability schedule or the call center's resourcerequirements can require the entire schedule to be regenerated. Numerousworking parameters and employee criteria are established to ensure theprofitability and efficiency of day to day operations. Considerationssuch as the maximum number of hours worked per pay period per employee,the maximum period of work without a break, or the necessity for atleast two experienced call agents to be on call at any one time areexamples of such criteria and parameters. In one embodiment of thepresent method, as a scheduler inputs changes into a working schedule, areal-time indication is presented to the user if the alteration in theschedule affects a parameter or criteria adversely and will impair theoverall functionality of the schedule.

[0020] Real-time indications are a result of the scheduling programconstantly recalculating the viability of the proposed data into aworking schedule. As new data is input the entire schedule isreconfigured and checked for conflicts without any interface or input bythe user other than the original entry of the data. The feedback to theuser of any conflicts is immediate. For example, an alteration of anagent's ability to maintain a work shift may have dramatic overallaffects. Since the agent possesses a certain skill set and the callcenter must be maintained with a minimum level of skilled individuals,the deletion of the agent's skills from the working schedule may resultin the center being understaffed for a particular period. In such asituation the real-time error identification system would present, inone embodiment, a red light depicted as, but not limited to, a stoplightat the bottom of the display to notify the user of the conflict.

[0021] The indication would occur as soon as the user altered theemployee's schedule. Since the indication of the error is unobtrusive,meaning that the display of the conflict or scheduling problem would notinterfere with the normal operation of the scheduling program, the usercan continue to alter the schedule as he or she feels fit. Thus, if inthis example the user was aware that the alteration of the agent's workschedule would present a problem but has already envisioned a resolutionof the conflict, the user need not waste time by having to interact withwarning system needlessly. Upon seeing the indication of a conflict, theuser could input the potential solution and see if the red light isremoved indicating the conflict has been resolved thus validating theenvisioned solution.

[0022] Likewise, in another embodiment, a user can first become aware ofa conflict through the real-time identification system. In thissituation if a user alters the schedule, the concurrent identificationwill unobtrusively notify him or her that a problem exists. The systemdescribed in this embodiment does not require the entire form orschedule to be completed before an error is detected. The user in thisembodiment can select the identification symbol, the red light in thiscase, and be presented with a new window containing a description of theconflict as well as a proposed solution. The user can then elect tosuppress or ignore the conflict resulting in the illumination of ayellow light in the stoplight depiction or select a hyperlink locatedwithin the description that will open the primary scheduling processwindow centered on the functional area containing the conflict. Thewindow containing the conflict will further have the entry causing theproblem highlighted for easy recognition. With the conflict resolved,the new window can be closed and the original scheduling processcontinued without the presence of an error indication.

[0023] If the user elects to suppress the conflict, the yellow lightindication will remain illuminated until the conflict is resolved. Thesuppression of the conflict does not impede the real-time identificationof other conflicts. If an additional conflict is identified, a new redlight indication is displayed in conjunction with the yellow lightindicating a new conflict as well the multiple warnings or conflictsthat are suppressed. Selection of the conflict identification will, inthis embodiment, present not only descriptions and potential solutionsof the current conflict but of the suppressed conflicts as well.Further, if multiple conflicts exist that are not suppressed, selectingthe red light will list all of the conflicts for the user's review. Theresolution of the resource conflict removes the scheduling error andcancels any indication present. This can be accomplished by followingadvice given in the resolution window or by disregarding the potentialsolution and inputting a different change that will alleviate theconflict.

[0024] An additional embodiment provides the user with a means toassociate a conflict with a particular resource and provides a real-timeindication of that association to the user. As with the previousembodiments, the identification and handling of resource conflictsoccurs concurrently with the primary scheduling process. Once a conflictoccurs, an indication of the conflict is presented to the user in such amanner as to not interfere with his or her use of the application. Inaddition to the real-time communication of a problem, this embodimentprovides a method wherein the specific resource associated with orcausing the conflict is readily identified to the user.

[0025] In one embodiment, a visual indication or symbol is placed nextto the resource that is associated with a conflict. Furthermore, thismethod of identification can differentiate the type of conflictsassociated with each resource. If, for example, the conflict is rulebased such as exceeding the maximum number of hours worked per week,this embodiment conveys this information to user without interruptingthe scheduling process by placing a symbol next to the resource.Likewise if a conflict is due to a scheduled meeting or similar calendarevent, the method can similarly communicate such information to the userwithout disrupting the normal operation of the scheduling process. Inone embodiment the method places a visual indication such as anexclamation mark or any other form of visual symbol next to theconflicted resource and alters the color of the exclamation mark basedon the type of conflict. Likewise the indication could be aural or anyother similar medium to communicate the identification of a conflict tothe user. If, in this embodiment, the exclamation mark is blue theconflict associated with that employee rises from a rule problem whereasif the exclamation mark is red the problem is based in a conflict with ameeting or other calendar events. These and other depictions aredescribed in the following diagrams.

[0026]FIG. 2 is a depiction of a Recorded Call Volumes page, 220, of anembodiment for real-time identification and notification of resourceconflicts. In this embodiment the depiction of a stoplight, 210,presents an indication of a resource conflict to the user. Here, thestoplight can be found in the lower rightmost comer of the window withthe left, 230, red light illuminated indicating that a conflict exists.The stoplight, or any other suitable depiction to convey the existenceof a resource conflict, can be located at a plurality of locations onthe window. The stoplight in this embodiment is configured as a singlerow of lights in a horizontal orientation near the navigation and homeicons located in lower right hand corner of the window. The stoplightdepicts a conventional configuration of a traffic signal with a redlight being the furthermost left light, the green light beingfurthermost to the right, and a yellow light in the center. FIG. 3 isdepiction of an Operations Parameters page, 320, of an embodiment foridentification and notification of resource conflicts where no conflictsexist. This window possesses a similar stoplight, 310, as describedabove which is also located in the lower right corner. In thisembodiment the stoplight has the far right, 330, green light illuminatedindicating to the user that no resource conflicts are present. In eitherof these embodiments using a stoplight pictogram for indicating aresource conflict, the center light, if illuminated, would be yellow andwould indicate that a conflict or multiple conflicts have beensuppressed by the user.

[0027]FIG. 4 depicts the resolution window of one embodiment of a methodfor real-time identification of resource scheduling conflicts. Thiswindow appears after an indication of a conflict has been presented tothe user, such as a red light illustrated above, and the user hasclicked on the light to view the potential solution in an effort toresolve the conflict. The window in FIG. 4 indicates that there aremultiple conflicts to be resolved, 410 and 420. The error identificationprogram identifies and informs the user of the location of the potentialproblem on the top line, 430. In this embodiment the conflict has beenfound in a shift named “New Shift,” 440. The method has determined thatNew Shift does not have a start time and is in violation of a programrule. The window offers a solution to the conflict by stating that NewShift must have at least one valid start time. Furthermore, thisembodiment presents a hyperlink, 450, to the location in the schedulingprogram where correct start times should be input. If the user selectsthe hyperlink “here,” 450, the program will open a window where the usercan define a start time thus resolving the conflict. The new window willhighlight the area that must be altered to resolve the conflict. Alsodepicted in FIG. 4 are two suppress buttons, 460, associated with thetwo displayed conflicts. These buttons allow the user to suppress thecurrent conflicts and illuminate the yellow light in the stoplightpictogram.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a Calendar page, 520 using one embodiment of a methodfor identification and notification of resource conflicts whereconflicts are associated with specific resources. The depiction shows aschedule calendar for the date Monday, Jan. 29, 2001. Under the date,530, is a plurality of columns including one categorizing the resourcebeing scheduled as employee. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5there are ten resources all of the category employee, 510. To the rightof the category listing is another column that individually identifieseach resource. This column contains an employee identification numberillustrated in this embodiment by empl#1 through empl#10, 550. In thisembodiment, for the resources identified as empl#1, 560, empl#2, 570,and empl#4, 580, an exclamation mark, 590, located in the columnimmediately adjacent to the employee's identification number. Thisexclamation mark indicates that there is a resource conflict associatedwith each of these employees.

[0029] An additional embodiment further allows the user to review allthe conflicts associated with a particular resource and individuallyselect which conflicts are to be resolved. FIG. 6 is a Conflicts page,620, of an embodiment of the method for identification and notificationof resources conflicts where an employee has been associated with aconflict and the user has selected to review the conflicts. After theuser clicks on the associated symbol, a list of conflicts associatedwith that resource is displayed, 630. In FIG. 6 empl#1 has three rulebased conflicts, 630, associated with empl#1's involvement with theschedule. FIG. 7 presents another embodiment of a Conflict page, 620,showing a calendar conflict, 730, associated with empl#2. As depicted inFIG. 7, the calendar conflict is resolvable by selecting the button onthe bottom of the page, 740. By selecting the resolution option, 740,one embodiment opens a new window on top of the conflict window to offerpossible solutions as well as presenting links to the area of theprogram where alterations to the resource's utilization must be changed.FIG. 8 depicts a Resolve Calendar Conflict page, 820, giving the user aninteractive means to correct the conflict. The conflict is repeated tothe user, 830, and then, in this embodiment, two resolution choices arepresented to the user, 840 and 850. In one embodiment the user ispresented with a solution that marks empl#2 as not attending the meetingthus removing the calendar conflict, 840. Secondly, the user may ignorethe conflict until a new schedule is created, 850. Having made a choice,the user than can apply the selection, cancel the resolution process, orseek additional help by using the three user interactive buttons locatedat the bottom of the page, 860.

[0030]FIG. 9 is a high-level flow diagram of one embodiment of a methodfor concurrent real-time identification of resource schedulingconflicts. The identification process begins at 202 when a useractivates a scheduling window or enters new data into the resourcesscheduling window. In one embodiment, an error identification method islocated within the primary resource scheduling process and actsconcurrently with the primary scheduling process to analyze the new datafor any conflicts or problems. While error identification andnotification of resource conflicts can operate independently of theprimary resource scheduling process, it is shown here, 204, as anintegral part of the overall scheduling system. If the analysisdetermines that the new data does not present any conflicts or problemsa green light is displayed, 208.

[0031] If a conflict is recognized, one embodiment queries the analysisprogram to determine if the conflict is associated with a specificresource such as an employee, 209. If the conflict is resource specificthe method further determines if the conflict is rule or calendar based,210. If the conflict is rule based, the method directs the schedulingprocess to display a blue exclamation point next to the resource causingthe conflict, 211. If the conflict is calendar based a red exclamationmark, in one embodiment, is displayed next to the resource causing theconflict, 213.

[0032] Should the examination identify a problem in the schedule, 206,and the problem is not associated with a specific resource or theresource that is identified is already marked, the method questions ifthe conflict has been suppressed, 214. A negative answer displays a redlight, 214, confirming the existence of an unsuppressed schedulingconflict. Should the answer to the suppression question be affirmative,a query occurs as to the existence of any other unsuppressed conflicts,215. If the answer is yes then, as indicated in 218, both a red lightand a yellow light are illuminated indicating the presence of both anunsuppressed and a suppressed conflict. If only suppressed conflicts arepresent, then only a yellow light is illuminated, 216. At this point theuser must elect to click on the displayed lights indicated in blocks217, 216, or 218 for further information. If the user clicks on the redlight, 220, a new window containing an HTML page is generated, 222,describing the conflict and suggesting potential solutions, 232. To dothis, one embodiment utilizes a warning template file, 224, and theWindows Registry, 226.

[0033] Likewise if the user clicks on the yellow indication light, 228,an HTML page is generated, 230, describing the suppressed conflict orconflicts and potential solutions, 232. Contained within the new HTMLpage is a hyperlink that connects the user to the specific window withinthe primary scheduling resource software where the conflicted resourcemust be altered. If the user clicks on the hyperlink, 234, oneembodiment communicates with the primary resource scheduling software,236, causing the display of the specific window, 240, necessary tomodify the erroneous data. Additionally, the data that must be alteredis highlighted to facilitate the user in resolving the conflict. If theuser elects to suppress the conflict, 242, the conflict is markedappropriately, 244, and is stored in the Windows Registry, 248. If theuser elects to un-suppress the conflict, 244, an HTML page is generated,246 based on the new unsuppressed conflict.

[0034] From the above description and drawings, it will be understood bythose of ordinary skill in the art that the particular embodiments shownand described are for purposes of illustration only and are not intendedto limit the scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the artwill recognize that the invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics.References to details of particular embodiments are not intended tolimit the scope of the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing real-time indications ofresource scheduling conflicts in a resource scheduling processcomprising: analyzing resource scheduling data including real-timedetection of resource conflicts; and conveying unobtrusively to a useran indication that a resource conflict exists, wherein conveying theindication of a resource conflict occurs concurrently with the resourcescheduling process.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprisingpresenting to the user, upon selection, a description of the resourceconflict.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein presenting includesproviding the user the choice to suppress the resource conflict.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein presenting includes providing the user apotential resolution of the resource conflict.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the potential resolution further comprises a hyperlink to arelevant portion of the resource scheduling process allowing theresource conflict to be resolved.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein theindication includes a visual representation.
 7. The method of claim 6,wherein the visual representation includes using the colors red for anunsuppressed resource conflicts and yellow for a suppressed resourceconflicts.
 8. A system for providing real-time indication of resourcescheduling conflicts in a resource scheduling process, the systemcomprising; a user interface receiving data from a user; a processorcoupled to the user interface, wherein the processor is capable ofexecuting instructions; a display device coupled to the processor; and amemory device coupled to the processor, the memory device storing theinstructions comprising a resource scheduling process, wherein theresource scheduling process analyzes agent data, scheduling criteria,and detects resource conflicts, an error identification process, whereinerror identification occurs concurrently with the resources schedulingprocess including presenting a description of the resource conflict anda potential solution to resolve the resource conflict.
 9. The system ofclaim 8, wherein the potential solution further comprises a hyperlink toa relevant portion of the resource scheduling process allowing theresource conflict to be resolved.
 10. The system of claim 8, wherein theindication includes a visual representation.
 11. The system of claim 8,wherein the visual representation includes using a first color red foran unsuppressed resource conflict and a second color for a suppressedresource conflict.
 12. A computer-readable medium containing executableinstructions which, when executed in a processing system, causes thesystem to: analyze resource scheduling data via a resource schedulingprocess and detect a resource conflict, convey unobtrusively to a useran indication that the resource conflict exists concurrently with theresources scheduling process; and present to the user, upon selectingthe indication, a description of the resource conflict and a potentialsolution to resolve the resource conflict.
 13. The computer-readablemedium of claim 12, wherein the executable instructions, when executed,further allow the user to suppress the resource conflict whereinsuppressing comprises allowing the resource scheduling process tocontinue while the resource conflict persists.
 14. The computer-readablemedium of claim 12, wherein the executable instructions, when executed,present a hyperlink to a relevant portion of the resource schedulingprocess where the resource conflict is resolved.
 15. Thecomputer-readable medium of claim 12, wherein the indication includes avisual representation.
 16. The computer-readable medium of claim 15,wherein the visual representation includes using a first color for anunsuppressed resource conflict and second color for a suppressedresource conflict.
 17. A system for providing real-time identificationof resource scheduling conflicts, the system comprising: at least oneserver comprising at least one storage device; at least one clientprocessor coupled to the server through a network, wherein the processoris coupled to at least one storage device, the storage device storinginstructions that, when executed, causes at least one client processorto, analyze agent data and scheduling criteria to detect a resourceconflict; concurrently convey an identification of the resourceconflict; present, upon selection, a description of the resourceconflict; and present a potential solution to resolve the resourceconflict.
 18. The system of claim 17, wherein the instructions includesproviding the user the choice to suppress the resource conflict.
 19. Thesystem of claim 17, wherein the potential solution further comprises ahyperlink to a relevant portion of the resource scheduling processallowing the resource conflict to be resolved.
 20. The system of claim17, wherein the indication includes a visual representation.
 21. Thesystem of claim 20, wherein the visual representation includes using afirst color for an unsuppressed resource conflict and a second color fora suppressed resource conflict.
 22. A method for providing real-timeidentification of resource scheduling conflicts, in a resourcescheduling process comprising: analyzing resource scheduling data via aresource scheduling process including real time detection of resourceconflicts; conveying unobtrusively to a user a visual indication thatthe resource conflict exists, wherein conveying the indication occursconcurrently with the resource scheduling process; allowing the user tosuppress the resource conflict, wherein the visual indication of theresource conflict uses a first color for unsuppressed resource conflictsand a second color for suppressed conflicts; presenting to the user adescription of the resource conflict and a potential solution to resolvethe resource conflict, wherein the potential solution includes ahyperlink to a relevant portion of the resource scheduling processallowing the resource conflict to be resolved.
 23. A method forproviding real-time indications of resource scheduling conflictscomprising: analyzing resource scheduling data including real-timedetection of resource conflicts; conveying unobtrusively to a user anindication that a resource conflict exists, wherein the conveying of theindication of the resource conflict occurs concurrently with theresource scheduling process and wherein the indication of a resourceconflict includes identifying at least one resource associated with theresource conflict; and presenting to the user a description of theresource conflict and a potential resolution of the resource conflict.24. The method of claim 23, wherein presenting includes providing theuser a choice to suppress the resource conflict.
 25. The method of claim23, wherein presenting includes providing the user a choice of viewingthe description of resource conflicts.
 26. The method of claim 23,wherein the potential solution further comprises a hyperlink to arelevant portion of the resource scheduling process allowing theresource conflict to be resolved.
 27. The method of claim 23, whereinconveying an indication includes a visual representation.
 28. The methodof claim 27, wherein the visual representation includes using a firstcolor for an unsuppressed resource conflicts and a second color for asuppressed resource conflicts.
 29. The method of claim 23, wherein theresource conflicts are of different types, and wherein identifyingincludes indicating a type of a resource conflict
 30. The method ofclaim 29, wherein the various types include a rule-based conflict and acalendar based conflict.
 31. The method of claim 30, wherein the varioustypes are visually represented and wherein the visual representationincludes using a third color for a rule-based conflict and a fourthcolor for a calendar based conflict.